Composite fillings and restorations are used to fill cavities in your teeth to prevent further tooth decay. These fillings are made from solid and durable materials that can last for years if you know how to take care of them. If you want fewer visits to the dentists and more time to enjoy life, here are some things you should do to prolong the life of your new composite fillings.
How long do Composite Fillings last?
Depending on the material of your composite fillings and how well you look after them, they can last from 5 – 25 years. This is a large range, which varies depending on how you take care of your mouth and teeth hygiene. However, it is essential to note that these fillings will never last a lifetime, and will slowly wear down, especially when exposed to harmful bacteria.
Your teeth can be filled with gold, porcelain, silver amalgam (combination of mercury, silver, tin, zinc and copper), tooth-coloured plastic and resin tooth fillings. Some materials contain glass particles and come made from ceramics. The material of your fillings can help determine their lifespan. The longest filling lifespans include gold, silver and ceramics. However, these can be the most expensive to get. Talk to your dentist to determine the best option for your circumstances. You may not need to foot the cost of a porcelain restoration for your teeth.
Know what foods you can eat
If you are coming out of your surgery with freshly installed composite tooth fillings, you need to avoid certain foods and drinks for some time. You should be avoiding meals that are too hot or cold, as they may make the filling material shrink or expand. This can alter the filling’s adaptability and weaken its strength. You should also avoid hard, crunchy and sticky foods as they can negatively affect your fillings and possibly cause them to crack. Certain drinks like coffee can stain the white composite fillings you got in Sydney, so understand the foods you should and shouldn’t be eating to protect your teeth.
Follow regular composite filling maintenance
Many of these coincide with the standard oral care tips that you should be following. These tips will help keep your composite filling lasting for longer and help support the teeth you still have
- Brush your teeth every morning and night
- Floss after meals, or at least after brushing your teeth
- Avoid foods and drinks that stain your teeth, such as tea, coffee, wine and soft drinks
- Reduce your sugary food consumption to reduce the chance of tooth decay, or brush 30 minutes after large intakes of sugary food
- Use fluoride gels or mouthwash if recommended by your dentist
- Avoid grinding your teeth
Talk to a reliable professional
One of the biggest causes of tooth problems comes from a lack of information on properly taking care of your teeth. It can be easy to fall into bad dental habits and cause expensive and irreversible damage to your teeth and smile. Getting a filling at the dentist is easy when you’re in the hands of the experts. Cosmic smiles dentistry has professional dentists ready to help you preserve your smile for the rest of your life.
